The dynamic behavior of continuous polymerization reactors—II Nonisothermal solution homopolymerization and copolymerization in a CSTR

Abstract The possible types of dynamic behavior have been determined for a CSTR in which bulk or solution free radical polymerization is carried out. To illustrate the methodology, the expected behavior of reactors for vinyl acetate or methylmethacrylate homopolymerization and vinyl acetate-methylmethacrylate copolymerization has been explicitly determined. The monomer feed ratios, solvent concentrations, and reactor cooling capacity which allow multiple steady states and limit cycles have been carefully mapped.